Search Results (963)

This study empirically evaluates the energy and carbon reduction effects of an envelope retrofit applied to an aging public building in South Korea. Unlike previous studies that primarily relied on simulation-based analyses, this work fills the empirical research gap by using actual utility billing data collected over one pre-retrofit year (2019) and two post-retrofit years (2023–2024). The retrofit included improvements to exterior walls, roofs, and windows, aiming to enhance thermal insulation and airtightness. The analysis revealed that monthly electricity consumption was reduced by 14.7% in 2023 and 8.0% in 2024 compared to that in the baseline year, with corresponding decreases in electricity costs and carbon dioxide emissions. Seasonal variations were evident: energy savings were significant in the winter due to reduced heating demand, while cooling energy use slightly increased in the summer, likely due to diminished solar heat gains resulting from improved insulation. By addressing both heating and cooling impacts, this study offers practical insights into the trade-offs of envelope retrofitting. The findings contribute to the body of knowledge by demonstrating the real-world performance of retrofit technologies and providing data-driven evidence that can inform policies and strategies for improving energy efficiency in public buildings. Full article

Introduction: Given the impact of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) on patients’ health, preclinical research is substantial to understand its pathophysiology and improve treatment strategies, which necessitates reliable and comprehensive animal models. Traditionally, aSAH models utilize iliac or subclavian access for angiography, requiring invasive procedures that are associated with significant risks and animal burden. This pilot study explores a less invasive method of digital subtraction angiography (DSA) by using the auricular artery (AA) as an alternative access point. Our aim was to demonstrate the feasibility of this refined technique, with the intention of reducing procedural risks, providing shorter operation times with enhanced neurological recovery, and simplifying the process for both researchers and animals. Materials and Methods: In this study, six female New Zealand white rabbits (3.2–4.1 kg body weight) underwent experimental induction of aSAH via a subclavian-cisternal shunt. The initial steps of this procedure followed traditional techniques, consisting of subclavian access through microsurgical preparation, followed by DSA to analyze retrograde filling of the basilar artery (BA). To evaluate the alternative method, on day 3 after induction of aSAH, DSA was performed via the AA instead of the traditional subclavian or femoral access. A catheter was placed in the AA to allow retrograde filling of the BA. This approach aimed to simplify the procedure while maintaining comparable imaging quality. Results: All rabbits survived until the study endpoint. Postoperatively, two rabbits showed signs of hemisyndrome, which significantly improved by the time of follow-up. No additional morbidities were observed. Upon euthanasia and necropsy, all animals showed clear subarachnoid bleeding patterns. DSA via the AA produced strong contrasting of the BA comparable to the traditional method. Conclusions: This technical note presents an initial evaluation of AA access as a feasible and potentially advantageous method for DSA in a rabbit model of blood shunt subarachnoid hemorrhage. The method shows promise in reducing invasiveness and procedural complexity, but further studies are required to fully establish its efficacy and safety. Future research should focus on expanding the sample size, refining the anatomical understanding of the AA, and continuing to align with ethical considerations regarding animal welfare. Full article

Convective updrafts are one of the main characteristics of convective clouds, responsible for the convective mass flux and the redistribution of energy and condensate in the atmosphere. During the early stages of their lifecycle, convective clouds experience rapid cloud-top ascent manifested by a decrease in the geostationary IR brightness temperature ($T{B}_{IR}$). Under the assumption that the convective cloud top behaves like a black body, the ascent rate of the convective cloud top can be estimated as (${\displaystyle \frac{\partial T{B}_{IR}}{\partial t}}$), and it can be used to infer the near cloud-top convective updraft. The temporal resolution of the geostationary IR measurements and non-uniform beam-filling effects can influence the convective updraft estimation. However, the main shortcoming until today was the lack of independent verification of the strength of the convective updraft. Here, Doppler radar observations from the ESCAPE and TRACER field experiments provide independent estimates of the convective updraft velocity at higher spatiotemporal resolution throughout the convective core column and can be used to evaluate the updraft velocity estimates from the IR cooling rate for limited samples. Isolated convective cells were tracked with dedicated radar (RHIs and PPIs) scans throughout their lifecycle. Radial Doppler velocity measurements near the convective cloud top are used to provide estimates of convective updrafts. These data are compared with the geostationary IR and VIS channels (from the GOES satellite) to characterize the convection evolution and lifecycle based on cloud-top cooling rates. Full article

In order to improve the poor prediction effect of current filling body strength design, a support vector machine (SVM) and Lib Toolbox were used to build an optimal match model or strength index of unclassified tailings filling body. Eight main factors were analyzed and screened as condition attributes, and backfill strength as a decision attribute. Next, we selected 72 groups of training samples and 6 groups of calibration samples. Our model adopts a radial basis function (RBF) as the kernel function and uses a grid search method to optimize parameters; it then tests the combination of optimal parameters by cross-validation. Results show that the mean error of regression prediction and verified predictions made by the SVM match model were 1.01%, which were more accurate than the BP neural network model’s predictions. On the premise that stope stability is ensured, the SVM match model may decrease cement consumption and the cost of backfill more effectively, and improve economic efficiency. Full article

Channeling in cementing causes interlayer interference, severely restricting oilfield recovery. Existing channeling plugging agents, such as cement and gels, often lead to reservoir damage or insufficient strength. Oil-soluble resin (OSR) particles show great potential in selective plugging of channeling fractures due to their excellent oil solubility, temperature/salt resistance, and high strength. However, their application is limited by the efficient filling and retention in deep fractures. This study innovatively combines the OSR particle plugging system with the mature rapid filtration loss plugging mechanism in drilling, systematically exploring the influence of particle size and sorting on their filtration, packing behavior, and plugging performance in channeling fractures. Through API filtration tests, visual fracture models, and high-temperature/high-pressure (100 °C, salinity 3.0 × 10⁵ mg/L) core flow experiments, it was found that well-sorted large particles preferentially bridge in fractures to form a high-porosity filter cake, enabling rapid water filtration from the resin plugging agent. This promotes efficient accumulation of OSR particles to form a long filter cake slug with a water content <20% while minimizing the invasion of fine particles into matrix pores. The slug thermally coalesces and solidifies into an integral body at reservoir temperature, achieving a plugging strength of 5–6 MPa for fractures. In contrast, poorly sorted particles or undersized particles form filter cakes with low porosity, resulting in slow water filtration, high water content (>50%) in the filter cake, insufficient fracture filling, and significantly reduced plugging strength (<1 MPa). Finally, a double-slug strategy is adopted: small-sized OSR for temporary plugging of the oil layer injection face combined with well-sorted large-sized OSR for main plugging of channeling fractures. This strategy achieves fluid diversion under low injection pressure (0.9 MPa), effectively protects reservoir permeability (recovery rate > 95% after backflow), and establishes high-strength selective plugging. This study clarifies the core role of particle size and sorting in regulating the OSR plugging effect based on rapid filtration loss, providing key insights for developing low-damage, high-performance channeling plugging agents and scientific gradation of particle-based plugging agents. Full article

Developing green mining technology for medium-to low-grade mines requires achieving minimal or no damage to the mining area’s ecological environment. A medium-to low-grade phosphate mine in Hubei Province was taken as the research object in this study. The tailings were selected as the main filling aggregate. Indoor tests and theoretical analysis were conducted to analyze the influence of curing age, the water–cement ratio, the cement–sand ratio, and slurry concentration on the strength of the cemented backfill. Furthermore, a multi-factor non-linear mathematical model of the strength of the cementitious filler was established. The study results indicated that the strength of backfill increased linearly with the increase in the curing age, decreased negatively with the increase in the water–cement ratio, and increased exponentially with the increase in the cement–sand ratio and the slurry concentration. The multivariate non-linear prediction model of the strength of the filling body at different ages was also established based on the test results. This predictive model could effectively predict the strength of the cemented backfill, and the error value was not larger than 4%. Our research results can lay a theoretical foundation for developing medium-to low-grade phosphate mine filling with tailings as the main filling aggregate. Full article

The digital wave, represented by new technologies such as big data, IoT, and artificial intelligence, is sweeping the globe, driving all industries toward digitalization and intelligent transformation. Digital twins are becoming an indispensable opportunity for new infrastructure initiatives. As geotechnical engineering constitutes a critical component of new infrastructure, its corresponding digital transformation is essential to align with these initiatives. However, due to the difficulty of modeling, the demand for computing resources, interdisciplinary integration, and other issues, current digital twin applications in geotechnical engineering remain in their nascent stage. This paper delineates the developmental status of geotechnical digital twin technology in China, and it focuses on the advantages and disadvantages of digital twins in five application fields, identifying key challenges, including intelligent sensing and interconnectivity of multi-source heterogeneous physical entities, integrated sharing of 3D geological models and structural models, unified platforms for lifecycle information management, standardization of digital twin data protocols, and theoretical frameworks for digital twin modeling. Furthermore, this study systematically expounds future research priorities across four dimensions: intelligent sensing and interoperability technologies for geotechnical engineering; knowledge graph development and model-based systems engineering; integrated digital twin entity technologies combining 3D geological bodies with engineering structures; and precision enhancement, temporal extension, and spatial expansion of geotechnical digital twins. This paper systematically reviews the application status of digital twin technology in geotechnical engineering for the first time, reveals the common technical challenges in cross-domain implementation, and proposes a theoretical framework for digital twin accuracy improvement and spatiotemporal expansion for geotechnical engineering characteristics, which fills the knowledge gap in the adaptability of existing research in professional fields. These insights aim to provide references for advancing digitalization, intelligent transformation, and sustainable development of geotechnical engineering. Full article

Porous ceramics have been widely used in various fields. In this paper, porous ceramics with through-hole structures were prepared using a novel and eco-friendly gel casting method with carrageenan as the gelling agent. Especially, the idea of large size particle stacking is introduced into the gel casting process. By introducing large size alumina aggregates as raw materials, and small size micropowders as filling materials, micropores were directly formed after the green body was sintered. To tune the pore size, pore structure, gas permeability, the strength of the final porous ceramics, the components of the raw materials including the alumina aggregates, the filling materials, and sintering additives in the slurry were precisely designed. Porous Al₂O₃-based ceramics with high gas permeability, high flexural strength, and moderate porosity were finally obtained. Full article

This study investigates the stability risks associated with a substandard-thickness (42 m) backfill isolation layer in the open-underground coordinated mining system of the Yongping Copper Mine’s eastern panel at the −150 m level. A numerical simulation based on FLAC3D 3.00 was conducted to evaluate the impacts of four mining sequences (south-to-north, north-to-south, center-to-flank, and flank-to-center) on stress redistribution and displacement evolution. A three-dimensional geomechanical model incorporating lithological parameters was established, with 23 monitoring points tracking stress and displacement dynamics. Results indicate that the mining sequence significantly influences the stability of both the isolation layer and the slope. No abrupt displacement occurred during mining, with incremental isolation layer settlement controlled within 3 mm. Post-mining maximum displacement increased to 10–12 mm. The “north-to-south” sequence emerged as the theoretically optimal solution, reducing cumulative displacements in pillars and stopes by 9.1% and 7.8%, respectively, compared to the suboptimal scheme. However, considering the engineering continuity of the existing “south-to-north” sequence at the −100 m level, maintaining consistent directional mining at the −150 m level is recommended to ensure synergistic disturbance control, ventilation system stability, and operational management coherence. Full article

Conventional cast-in-place counterfort retaining walls, while widely used to support the fill body in geotechnical engineering cases, suffer from extended construction cycles and environmental impacts that constrain their usage more widely. In this study, in order to overcome these limitations, the performance of two types of innovative prefabricated counterfort retaining wall system—a monolithic design and a modular design—was investigated through physical modeling. The results reveal that failure mechanisms are fundamentally governed by the distribution of stress at the connection interfaces. The monolithic system, with fewer connections, concentrates stress and is more vulnerable to cracking at the primary joints. In contrast, the modular system disperses loads across numerous connections, reducing localized stress. Critically, this analysis identified a construction-dependent failure mode: incomplete contact between the foundation and the base slab induces severe bending moments that can lead to catastrophic failure. Furthermore, this study shows that complex stress states due to backfill failure can induce detrimental tensile forces on the wall structure. To address this, a composite soil material–wall structure system incorporating geogrid reinforcement was developed. This system significantly enhances the backfill’s bearing capacity and mitigates adverse loading. Based on the comprehensive analysis of settlement and structural performance, the optimal configuration involves concentrating geogrid layers in the upper third of section of the backfill, with sparser distribution below. Full article

Background: The Da Silva Cone procedure for Ebstein anomaly has dramatically improved tricuspid valve competence and clinical outcomes. However, preoperative left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and immediate postoperative right ventricular (RV) systolic dysfunction are frequently observed. While excellent valve outcomes are well established, recovery of biventricular function following the Cone remains less defined. This study aimed to evaluate longitudinal changes in RV and LV function postoperatively and over a minimum of six months post-Cone operation. Methods: A single center retrospective review of 134 patients who underwent Cone repair for Ebstein’s anomaly from 2016 to 2024 was performed. Echocardiograms were analyzed at three time points: preoperative (Time 1), hospital discharge (Time 2), and ≥6 months postoperative (Time 3). RV parameters included fractional area change (FAC), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), and tricuspid S′. LV parameters included left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), end-diastolic volume indexed to body surface area (LVEDVi), left ventricular stroke volume (LVSVi), and mitral E/E′. Subgroup analyses examined outcomes by prior Glenn, Starnes procedure, and degree of RV dilation. Paired two sample t-tests were used to compare serial measures. Results: Median age at surgery was 7.8 years (IQR: 2.3–17.7). All patients had discharge echocardiograms; 70 had follow-up studies at ≥6 months. RV function declined postoperatively with reductions in FAC (35% to 21%), TAPSE (2.0 to 0.8 cm), and S′ (13 to 5 cm/s), all p < 0.001. By Time 3, these measures improved (FAC to 29%, TAPSE to 1.3 cm, S′ to 7 cm/s) but did not fully return to baseline. LVEDVi and LVSVi increased significantly by Time 3 (LVEDVi: 47 to 54 mL/m²; LVSVi: 30 to 34 mL/m²; p < 0.001), while LVEF remained unchanged. Patients with prior Glenn or Starnes had greater Time 1 LV volumes and lower RV function, but by Time 3, most differences resolved. Moderate–severe preoperative RV dilation was associated with worse RV function at Time 2 and normalized by Time 3. Conclusions: The Da Silva Cone procedure leads to early postoperative RV dysfunction with partial recovery over the mid-term follow-up. Concurrently, LV filling and stroke volume improve, reflecting favorable interventricular interaction. These findings support echocardiographic surveillance to guide functional recovery post-Cone and inform patient counseling. Full article

Background/Objectives: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic autoinflammatory skin disease characterized by recurrent, painful, and persistently draining purulent lesions. Alterations in the composition of the microbiome may be associated with immune dysregulation and HS progression. The objective of this study was to investigate the correlations between the gut microbiome and HS. Methods: A total of 80 participants (40 HS patients and 40 healthy controls [HCs]) were included in this study. Each participant filled out a specially designed questionnaire, which included demographics, HS severity, physical characteristics, dietary habits, and gastrointestinal disorders. DNA isolation and sequencing of microbiota were performed from fecal samples collected from each participant. Results: No statistically significant difference was observed in the alpha diversity between the microbiota of HS and HC. Nevertheless, HS was found to significantly decrease the chances of, among others, Collinsella, Izemoplasmatales, Clostridia, Lachnospiraceae, eligens group, xylanophilum group, and Pseudoflavonifractor occurrence. Conversely, HS significantly increased the chances of Enterorhabdus, Senegalimassilia, Gastranaerophilales, Candidatus Stoquefichus, Erysipelatoclostridiaceae, Holdemanella, Solobacterium, Ruminiclostridium, [Eubacterium] fissicatena group, Angelakisella, Comamonas, and Enterobacter occurrence. The logistic regression analysis, performed separately for each genus, showed a significant influence of disease severity (based on the Hurley scale) on the chances of occurrence for the following genera: Chloroplast (OR = 5.778), Dielma (OR = 5.75), Eisenbergiella (OR = 5.75) and Paludicola (OR = 5.778). Conclusions: In conclusion, our study adds to the growing body of literature on the gut microbiome in HS and provides valuable insights into the specific alterations in microbial occurrence and abundance associated with the disease. Full article

This study investigates the relationship between ESG performance and economic growth in BRICS nations from 2000 to 2020, aiming to understand how ESG practices influence development trajectories. By integrating economic theories with relevant conceptual frameworks, this study provides a comprehensive analysis of ESG dynamics in emerging economies. The purpose of this study is to determine how the economic growth of the BRICS countries between 2000 and 2020 was impacted by ESG performance at the national level. This work contributes to the body of knowledge by offering a fresh macroeconomic examination of the connection between economic growth and ESG performance in the BRICS nations, a topic that is still relatively unexplored in comparison to firm-level research. A significant knowledge gap on how developing economies strike a balance between rapid economic expansion and environmental and social sustainability is filled by the research’s use of a thorough national-level ESG framework. The study employed a dynamic panel auto regressive distributed lag (ARDL) model, utilising a dynamic pooled mean group (PMG) ARDL econometric technique for both short- and long-term estimates. The findings reveal a short-term negative relationship between ESG performance and economic growth in the BRICS countries, which implies that there are high transitional effects involved in sustainable growth solutions. It also highlights the structural and developmental heterogeneity among BRICS countries. Moreover, the study highlights that carbon emissions positively influence short-term economic growth, underscoring the challenge of balancing sustainability with the continued reliance on fossil fuels in these economies. However, the long-term results show that strong ESG practices ultimately positively affect economic growth, reinforcing the importance of investing in sustainable development for achieving high-quality, long-term prosperity. This conclusion emphasises that, while short-term trade-offs may exist, robust ESG frameworks are crucial for fostering enduring economic and environmental well-being. Full article

This study was carried out to fill the present research gap in the study area by assessing water chemistry, potential heavy metal contamination, and the associated health risk evaluation that goes along with it in surface water bodies and groundwater in the NE of Maramureș County, near the Tisa River. The main methods we applied were Piper, Ficklin–Caboi, and Gibbs diagrams for determining the water typology and chemistry, the Overall Water Quality Index (OWQI) and vegetation cover to determine the water quality, a contamination index for analyzing the contamination degree, and a human health risk assessment through water ingestion after exposure of children and adults. This article’s main findings specify that waters were characterized and classified into the CaMgHCO₃⁻ dominant category of water type, with precipitation, agricultural, and domestic inputs, related to the Cl⁻ (mean ranging between 1.01–5.65 mg/L) and NO₃⁻ (mean ranging between 2.23–5.52 mg/L) content. The OWQI scores indicated excellent quality, below the critical value, ranging between 0.70 and 6.57. The applied risk assessment indicated that the daily intake of toxins is higher in the case of children than in adults, up to four and five times. The hazard quotient scores, ranging between 0.00093 and 0.248 for adults and between 0.0039 and 1.040 for children, indicated that if consumed, the studied waters can pose potential negative effects on children. Full article

The expected cutaneous adverse effects (CAE) of oncology therapies can be disabling and even force the patient to discontinue treatment. The incorporation of cosmetics into skin care regimens (SCRs) as true therapeutic adjuvants can prevent, control, and avoid sequelae. However, cosmetics may also lead to adverse reactions in patients. The aim of our study was to assess the impact of the tolerability of cosmetics used in routine skin care on quality of life in this vulnerable population group through a survey. In addition, information was collected to improve the knowledge of the beneficial effects of cosmetics and the composition recommended. Hospital nurses guided the patients to fill in the surveys, which were done once. The main uses are related to daily hygiene care, photoprotection, and dermo-cosmetic treatment to prevent or at least reduce the skin’s adverse effects. More than 30% (36.36%) of patients perceived undesirable effects or discomfort with the use of cosmetics (27.27% in the facial area, 27.27% in the body and hands, and 22.73% in the scalp and hair). Intolerance was described for some soaps and creams used in the facial area. This study provides additional evidence on perceived tolerance supporting updates of clinical practice guidelines, highlights consolidated knowledge and evidence on the use of cosmetics, as well as new recommendations on the use and composition of cosmetics intended for oncological patients. There is a need for more knowledge about cosmetic ingredients and formulations, including ingredients of concern, such as endocrine disruptors. Full article